Pavilion to be listed?

A CONTROVERSIAL landmark is waiting to see if it has been awarded listed building status.

Supporters of Pasmore’s Apollo Pavilion, in the Sunny Blunts area of Peterlee, are preparing for one of the biggest days in the sculpture’s 50-year history.

The Apollo Pavilion Community Association (APCA), along with The Twentieth Century Society members John and Karen Topping applied for listed building status a year ago.

APCA has tirelessly campaigned for the restoration of the Apollo Pavilion and for the recognition of its artistic merit and value to the region.

Now the passionate group has been informed that over the next couple of weeks they will receive a detailed report from English Heritage evaluating the listed building status application.

The association can then submit any relevant feedback.

The next stage will then see the overall findings submitted to the Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) for the final decision to be made.

APCA chairman David Taylor-Gooby said: “Our focus is to celebrate this unique place of heritage.

“Most towns and cities have at least one building of significance that the local populace are proud of.

“We believe the Apollo Pavilion possesses iconic qualities that ideally symbolise the aspirations of this former mining community.

“Whatever the outcome, we will continue to advocate the amazing qualities of the Apollo Pavilion as the structure continues to inspire people in creative and moral ways.”

APCA is planning a cultural event which will take place at the pavilion on July 10.

The structure will be involved in the Brass: Durham International Festival.

This will include a collective of arts professionals and the community working on a project called Bridging the Gap.

It will feature music by composer Peter Coyte using the voices and sounds of the surrounding estate, artist Sam Goodlet turning the Pavilion into a giant playground and contemporary dance company Dora Frankel Dance.

Peterlee’s GT Group brass band and Magicaboola, a spectacular 15-strong Italian street band, will also be performing.

The structure was created in 1960 by abstract designer Victor Pasmore.